While it's easy to haul out the plastic lawn chairs and folding tables for summer gatherings,
it's not much harder to pull together a stylish outdoor setting
that you can enjoy every day...
just think 'Bistro' style, and your back deck or patio
could feel just like your favorite neighborhood cafe'!
By using simple furnishings and accessories that you may already have,
you can create a welcoming and comfortable dining nook outdoors.
It doesn't take a lot of space, either!
A vintage wood table and two metal chairs snug up to the deck railing here,
just as they would at a trendy bistro!
Dressing the table with a white tablecloth,
and hanging another as a temporary curtain to block the sun,
elevates the setting to more than 'picnic' style.
( BTW, the vintage stove in the background has been retrofitted as a bbq,
and the vintage fridge is now a smoker. )
A bouquet of flowers and herbs from the garden finish off this relaxing setting,
perfect for enjoying a late afternoon glass of wine alone or a morning cup of tea.
Gathering up a few pieces from other areas can easily create
seating & eating areas on small decks or patios:
On the left, casual beach style is achieved with whitewashed furnishings, crisp striped linens and rug,
and galvanized metal accents.
On the right, a pretty garden setting is created with white metal lawn chairs and a park bench,
tucked up to a more modern metal & glass round table.
Accessorize with potted plants and whimsical wire accents,
like a gargantuan birdcage holding a potted miniature rose.
More for relaxing than eating, this area came together in minutes -
and plastic chairs never looked so classic!
Check out the FREE makeover I did on my brother's front deck here
I snapped this photo at one of my fave cottages at the beach....
which is just out of frame on the left side of the photo.
While the architecture - decking, sunroom window wall, and huge climbing vine-
definitely contribute to the charm here,
it's made up of mostly simple vintage furnishings for easy care:
an old wooden picnic table, some wicker chairs, and a wood table are whitewashed for easy upkeep.
Add a jute rug and a striped umbrella, and the setting is ready to go when you are!
( I often look at this gorgeous area as I walk by, and wonder
'how many times do people crash their parties?'
because as you can see, it's RIGHT on the public walkway at the beach!
But I'd live there in a HEARTBEAT!)
.JPG "#MAYkeovers, makeovers, weekend makeovers, thrifty makeovers, FREE makeovers, home decor makeovers")
